Bosch and Bruegel in Provence

Carrière des Lumières

One of the highlights on our Provence Roman Heritage Tour is the Carrière des Lumières, literally the Quarry of Lights. Situated in the rocky landscape that inspired Danté to write his Inferno, this is a disused limestone quarry that has been converted, in spectacular and typically French fashion, into a breath-taking sound and light experience.

Using state of the art technologies, images are projected on the monumental sheer sided rock faces of the underground quarry, with musical accompaniment to fit the mood. Each year, a different theme is chosen, often celebrating a particular artist. Previous themes have been the works of Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Australia and its Aboriginal art, Cezanne…

For 2017 expect the weird and wonderful as the works of Hieronymus Bosch and Peter Bruegel the Elder are the subject of the exhibition. Works like Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights and Bruegel’s Peasant Wedding take on a whole new perspective when projected in crisp detail 12 metres high, and accompanied by music like Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana for the Bosch’s nightmare visions or Beethoven’s Pastoral for Bruegel’s portrayal of 15th Century peasant life, it’s a totally immersive experience.

A really unforgettable visit, we’re looking forward to our first one of 2017!